- Meet June’s Mom of the Month, Julia. Julia and her son are Wednesday Stroller Strides and playgroup regulars, and they bring such great energy every time. You’ve probably spotted them around town and at events too. We love having them in our community and are so glad they keep showing up week after week. Julia, you’re such a bright part of this crew!
- Tell us about your family!
- We are an international family with a beautiful blend of cultures and traditions. I am Ukrainian, my husband Chris is American, and together we are raising our two-year-old son, Mark. We love creating special memories together and giving Mark the opportunity to grow up connected to both cultures.
- Current/previous career?
- I am currently a stay-at-home mom, which has always been my dream and something I truly value. Before becoming a full-time mom, I worked in the pharmaceutical industry. While I appreciated my job and all the financial benefits of it , I always knew that creating a loving home and being present for my family was most important to me.
- What does motherhood mean to you?
- Motherhood has truly transformed me. I am so different from Julia before my baby and now. It has taught me patience, strength, and the importance of being present in the little everyday moments. For me, being a mother is about guiding, supporting, and loving unconditionally while also continuing to grow as a person myself. It is both the most challenging and the most rewarding role I have ever had.
- Favorite local spot?
- Honestly, I don’t have just one favorite local spot because I love exploring and trying new places all the time. With Mark, I especially enjoy spending time at the Trailside Museum of Natural History and nearby forest preserve. I enjoy discovering new parks, playgrounds, coffee shops, and local activities, so we are always visiting different places.
- How did you find Fit4Mom?
- I found Fit4Mom through local moms on Facebook. Someone mentioned the Coffee Walks as a great way to meet and connect with other moms in the area, so I decided to sign up and join one. I immediately loved the welcoming atmosphere and how easy it was to connect with other moms. After that first event, I knew I wanted to continue being part of the Fit4Mom community.
- What's the best part of Fit4Mom?
- The best part of Fit4Mom is being part of such an amazing and supportive moms community. It’s not only about exercise — it’s also about family events, moms’ nights out, and creating real friendships. I love that we all share something in common: motherhood. We learn from one another and support each other. It truly feels like a community where moms can connect, grow, and feel understood.
- Favorite class/exercise?
- My favorite class is Wednesday Stroller Strides because I get to work out while spending time with my son. I also love that there is a playgroup afterward, which gives both moms and kids a chance to connect and socialize. It was actually the very first Fit4Mom class I tried as a free class, and I fell in love with it right away.
- Proudest moment?
- My proudest moment in motherhood was overcoming postpartum depression, even though at the time I didn’t fully realize or want to admit that I was struggling with it. Mark wasn’t an easy baby, and the first year of motherhood felt very challenging and isolating. There were many difficult moments, but I kept going and learned how strong I really am. Looking back, I’m proud that I was able to work through those challenges and grow into a stronger and better version of myself. That experience taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of giving yourself grace as a mother.
- What is something that would surprise us?
- One thing that might surprise people about me is that I’m one of those rare people who doesn’t like ice cream! Haha. I mean, I can eat it occasionally, but I never crave it and could easily live without it. Most people are usually very shocked when I say that I don’t like ice cream, especially in the summertime.